There is much to admire about this San Francisco 49ers squad as it enters Super Bowl 58. Head Coach Kyle Shanahan, aiming to carve out his own legacy akin to his Super Bowl-winning father, Mike Shanahan, stands at the helm and is considered among the most brilliant play-callers in the NFL.
In addition, the ascent of Brock Purdy, the humble quarterback who entered the NFL as the last overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, adds to the team's allure. Purdy is surrounded by a talented supporting cast featuring running back Christian McCaffrey, wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk, and tight end George Kittle. The team also boasts a formidable defense led by stars like defensive end Nick Bosa and linebacker Fred Warner.
While the talent is undeniable, one analyst, CBS Sports announcer Ross Tucker, admits that he finds the 49ers distinctly unlikable. During a recent appearance on Bay Area radio station 95.7 The Game, Tucker declared, "The Niners could be a really likable team if they would just stop complaining all the time."
Sheesh 😳 @RossTuckerNFL
(➡️ @SteinyGuru957) pic.twitter.com/luK1K7aFOP
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) February 8, 2024
Prompted to cite examples, Tucker pointed back to two pivotal losses: last season's NFC Championship Game and Super Bowl 54, which was against the Chiefs.
"First of all, all you heard from any Niner all offseason—every Niner player and fan—was the only reason they lost to the Eagles was because both quarterbacks got hurt," Tucker recalled.
While 49ers players' frustrations were understandable given the circumstances, being unable to throw the football in the NFC title game, Tucker suggested a different perspective, saying, "My recommendation would be to not let your quarterbacks get hurt, not let the defense kill your quarterbacks."
Turning to Super Bowl 54, Tucker highlighted Jed York's remarks while reflecting on the game, when the 49ers CEO said, "I remember Nick Bosa being held on third-and-long, and that not getting called."
Jed York on what he remembers about the #49ers' last Super Bowl: "I remember Nick Bosa being held on 3rd-and-long, and that not getting called."#FTTB | #SFvsKC | #SuperBowl | #SBLVIII
— 49ers Webzone (@49erswebzone) February 1, 2024
"They're always whining or complaining about something," Tucker remarked. "Now, this week, what do we have? 'The practice field isn't good enough.' It's the Super Bowl. You're barely practicing anyway. They're doing a walk-through. Give me a break."
The analyst believes the 49ers are creating excuses in case they lose Sunday's showdown with the Chiefs and considers this week's fire alarm fiasco another example.
He stated, "The Thursday alarm pull, that changes everything. At least now they have their built-in excuse."
Despite criticism, the 49ers remain favored by two points in the Super Bowl matchup and have an opportunity to silence skeptics, including Tucker, with a victory.
H/t Chris Rosvoglou of The Spun for the find.
